KR101488074B1 - Image sensorand method for generating binning image using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image sensor capable of improving the resolution of an image and a binning image generating method using the same.
The image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pixel unit for converting an optical signal of an object into an electrical signal and outputting a Bayer pattern, A vertical interpolation unit for generating a vertical direction binning image by summing or averaging the pixel values of the Bayer pattern; and a horizontal interpolation unit for adding or averaging pixel values in the horizontal direction of the Bayer pattern based on the weight information set in each column area of the Bayer pattern, A horizontal interpolating unit for generating a binning image, and an image synthesizing unit for synthesizing vertical and horizontal binning images to generate a weighted binning image.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an image sensor and a method of generating a binning image using the image sensor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image sensor, and more particularly, to an image sensor capable of enhancing the resolution of an image through weighted binning and a method of generating a binning image using the image sensor.

One of the high performance requirements of image sensors in recent years is high sensitivity. High sensitivity sensors not only provide high quality images even in low light conditions, but also provide relatively high quality images even when the frame rate is increased to capture fast moving objects.

A binning technique is often employed for high sensitivity sensors. The binning method basically combines the values of adjacent pixels to obtain a high-quality, high-sensitivity image. The binning operation may be implemented by combining the signal value of the adjacent pixel with the accumulated charge in the pixel or by combining the analog output value of the pixel in the column circuit. Or binning may be performed in the digital image processing unit.

In general, the binning method uses a Bayer pattern and lowers the resolution of the screen and improves the SNR by adding or averaging two or more same-color pixels at the Bayer image stage.

Hereinafter, a conventional binning technique will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The 2: 1 binning technique generally used in an image sensor using a Bayer pattern is as shown in Figs. 1A to 1D. That is, in the 2: 1 binning method, a Bayer pattern as shown in FIG. 1A is input, and pixels having the same color are paired vertically and horizontally, and the values are summed or averaged at a ratio of 1: To generate a binning image in the vertical and horizontal directions as shown in Figs. 1B and 1C, and then using this, the positions of the pixels are not uniformly positioned, as shown in Fig. 1D, Obtain a transformed image in the same form.

The positions of the pixels obtained through the above process are compared with the positions of ideal sampling assumed in a commonly used demosaicing technique, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2A is a view showing an image acquired according to a general binning scheme, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an image obtained by a demosaicing technique. Here, the demosaicing method is a method of restoring the RGB full color for all pixels from a Bayer pattern image in which only one color value of RGB is given to one pixel.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the image obtained through the general scale technique after applying the demosaicing technique without performing the binning technique as described above is excellent in image quality but performs ISP processing on the original screen There is a problem that power consumption is large because the size is reduced.

When the demosaicing technique is applied after performing the binning technique described above, as shown in FIG. 3B, the inclined edges such as the branches of the binning image are roughly expressed as a "jagged edge" phenomenon As shown in FIG. This is a phenomenon that occurs when the position of sampling is irregularly changed by binning.

In order to solve the above problem, there is a method of using a correction filter for correcting the sampling position before applying binning demosaicing. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, although the "jagged edge" phenomenon is alleviated through the correction filter, the resolution of the screen is lowered.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an image sensor capable of improving an image resolution and a method of generating a binning image using the image sensor.

The present invention also provides an image sensor capable of expanding a dynamic range through linear correction after binarizing based on weights, and a method of generating a binning image using the image sensor.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a pixel unit for converting an optical signal of an object into an electrical signal and outputting a Bayer pattern; A vertical interpolation unit for summing or averaging vertical pixel values of the Bayer pattern to generate a vertical direction binning image based on weight information of the Bayer pattern, A horizontal interpolation unit for summing or averaging the pixel values of the vertical and horizontal directional images to generate a horizontal directional binning image, and an image synthesis unit for synthesizing the vertical and horizontal directional binning images to generate a weighted binning image.

In the image sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention, the pixel portion is arranged in a Bayer pattern composed of one line in which red pixels and green pixels are alternately arranged and a next line in which blue pixels and green pixels are alternately arranged .

The image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention provides an interface for setting a weight for each of the row region or the column region of the Bayer pattern and a weight setting unit for providing a weight value set through the interface to the vertical or horizontal interpolation unit .

In the image sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention, the weight setting unit may set the weight so that any one of the row region and the column region and the next line have a 1: 3 or 3: 1 ratio.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an exposure time control unit for controlling an exposure time of each of the row and column areas based on weights set in respective row and column areas, A vertical interpolating unit for generating a vertical binning image by summing or averaging pixel values in the vertical direction in the Bayer pattern; and a vertical interpolator for summing pixel values in the horizontal direction in the Bayer pattern A horizontal interpolating unit for generating a horizontal binning image by averaging and an image synthesizing unit for synthesizing the vertical and horizontal binning images to generate a weighted binning image.

The image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an exposure unit that exposes each pixel in the pixel unit according to the exposure time set by the exposure time control unit.

The image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a linear correction unit that generates a corrected horizontal direction binning image by correcting each pixel value in the vertical direction binning image through comparison between a pixel value of the vertical direction binning image and a predetermined value And further comprising:

In the image sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention, the preset value is determined by the maximum pixel value of the pixel portion.

In the image sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the pixel value of the vertical direction binning image is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the linearity correction unit corrects the pixel value of the vertical direction binning image using the maximum pixel value of the pixel unit And if not, maintains the pixel value of the vertical binning image.

In the image sensor according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the weight setting unit sets a weight for each row region or each column region based on illuminance information for each row region or each column region.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of generating a binning image of an image sensor, comprising: setting an exposure time for each row region or a column region based on weight values set for each row region or each column region; Receiving a Bayer pattern having a different exposure time from the pixel unit according to the set exposure time, generating a vertical direction binning image by summing or averaging the two pixel values in the vertical direction having the same color in the Bayer pattern Generating a horizontal binning image by summing or averaging two pixel values in the horizontal direction having the same hue in the Bayer pattern; and generating a weighted binning image using the vertical and horizontal direction binning images . ≪ / RTI >

The method of generating a binning image of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include setting a weight for each row region or each column region.

In the method of generating a binning image of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of setting the weights may include the step of setting a ratio of 1: 3 or 3: 1 And the weight is set to have a weight.

In the method of generating a binning image of an image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of setting the weights may include extracting illuminance information on a row and a column area of the pixel unit, And setting the weight for each region or for each column region.

The method of generating a binning image of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include the step of correcting each pixel value in the vertical binning image through comparison between a pixel value of the vertical binning image and a preset value, The weighting-based binning image is generated by using the vertical binning image and the horizontal binning image generated through the correction.

In the method of generating a binned image of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of correcting may include: comparing a pixel value of the vertical binning image with the preset value; And correcting the pixel value of the vertical binning image using the maximum pixel value of the pixel unit when the pixel value is equal to or greater than the preset value; and if the pixel value of the vertical binning image is less than the preset value And correcting pixel values of the vertical direction binning image by maintaining a pixel value of the vertical direction binning image.

In the method of generating a binned image of an image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of correcting using the maximum pixel value of the pixel unit may be performed using Equation ((PWB_org - M) * 4, M is the maximum pixel value of the pixel portion, PWB_org The pixel value of the vertical binning image is corrected on the basis of the pixel value of the vertical binning image.

In the present invention, a vertical binning image and a horizontal binning image are generated based on weights, and then a binning image is generated by combining the binning images and the horizontal binning images, thereby preventing resolution degradation by a conventional binning technique.

In addition, the present invention can extend the dynamic range through linear correction after performing weighted binning.

1A to 1D are views for explaining a general binning method,
2A shows a general post-binning sample location,
Figure 2b shows sample locations after the demosaicing technique,
FIG. 3A is an exemplary image after scaling process after a general demo ging technique,
FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an image after demagnetizing process after normal binning,
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an image obtained by performing post-binning sampling position correction and demosaicing,
5 is a block diagram of an image sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
6A is a diagram illustrating a Bayer pattern used in an embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 6B illustrates a vertically oriented binning image in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 6c illustrates a horizontal orientation image in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
7 is a block diagram illustrating an image sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.
8A is a view showing an image after performing a conventional binning method,
8B is a diagram illustrating an image obtained by performing the post-binning sampling correction method and performing the demosaicing process,
8C is an image using a weighted binning image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages and features of the present invention and the manner of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art. Is provided to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the same or corresponding components will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a Bayer pattern used in an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 6C is a view showing a horizontal direction binning image according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

5, the image sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a pixel unit 100, an interpolation unit 120, and an image synthesis unit 130. [ Here, the interpolator 120 may be composed of a vertical interpolator 122 and a horizontal interpolator 124.

The pixel unit 100 may perform a function of outputting a signal of an optical subject input through a lens as an electrical signal. In this pixel unit 100, a Bayer pattern favorable in resolution is used for the same subject, and image data having one color information for each pixel is output. For example, image data having only the R component is output in the pixel corresponding to the R pattern, image data having only the G component is output in the pixel corresponding to the G pattern, and image data having only the B component Data can be output. An example of outputting image data having only one color component corresponding to the Bayer pattern is illustrated in FIG. 6A. Of course, an A / D conversion unit (not shown) for converting the analog image data output by the pixel unit 100 into digital image data and outputting the digital image data is connected to the pixel unit 100. That is, the A / D converter converts the analog Bayer image data output through the pixel unit 410 into digital Bayer image data, and transmits the digital Bayer image data to the interpolator 120.

For example, when a plurality of pixel units 100 are arranged, each pixel unit 100 is composed of one photodiode and a MOS transistor for reading charges collected in the photodiode. In order to read an image continuously, the pixel unit 100 uses a method of immediately reading the image by exposing it to light for each column or row.

The weight setting unit 110 provides an interface for setting weights for each row or column of the pixel unit 100 and provides a weight for each line set through the interface to the interpolator 120 . That is, the weight setting unit 110 may provide the interpolator 120 with weight information for each of the row or column areas of the pixel, for example, 1: 3 or 3: 1 weight information.

On the other hand, the weight setting unit 110 may set a weight for each row or column based on illumination information.

The interpolation unit 120 receives the Bayer pattern 600 as shown in FIG. 6A from the pixel unit 100 and calculates the vertical and vertical directions of the Bayer pattern 600 based on the weight information set by the weight setting unit 110. [ Horizontal binning, converts the image into a vertical and horizontal binning image, and outputs the image to the image synthesizing unit 130. For this purpose, the interpolator 120 may include vertical and horizontal interpolators 122, 124.

The vertical interpolator 122 calculates the vertical weight of the pixel in the Bayer pattern 600 based on the weight information for each row area provided from the weight setting unit 110, The two pixel values are summed or averaged in a weighted manner. For example, in a case where a weight of 3: 1 (or 1: 3) is given to a line having the same color and a line therebetween, a method of summing or averaging two pixel values in the vertical direction having the same color, A vertical binning image 610 as shown can be generated. The vertical binning image 610 thus generated is output to the image composing unit 130. In other words, weights of 3: 1 or 1: 3 are given to pixel values output at 77 and 78 in the vertical direction having the same hue in the Bayer pattern 600 of FIG. 6A, and a sum of the weights is summed or averaged to determine one pixel And a vertical binning image 610 may be generated by adding or averaging the pixel values 78 and 79 by weighting 3: 1 or 1: 3.

The horizontal interpolation unit 124 generates a horizontal direction binning image by summing or averaging the two pixel values in the horizontal direction in the Bayer pattern 600 based on the weight information for each column region provided from the weight setting unit 110 . For example, when a weight of 3: 1 (or 1: 3) is given to a column having the same color and a column between the columns, a method of summing or averaging the values of two pixels in the horizontal direction having the same color, A horizontal binning image 620 as shown can be generated. The horizontal direction binning image 620 thus generated is output to the image composing unit 130. In other words, weights of 3: 1 or 1: 3 are given to pixel values output from 77 and 78 in the horizontal direction having the same hue in the Bayer pattern 600 of FIG. 6A, and a sum of the weights is summed or averaged to determine one pixel And a horizontal binning image 620 can be generated by adding or averaging the pixel values 78 and 79 by weighting 3: 1 or 1: 3.

The image combining unit 130 combines the binning image in the vertical direction and the binning image data in the horizontal direction to output a binning image based on the weights.

A process of generating a binning-based binning image by the image sensor having the above-described configuration will be described below.

First, the pixel unit 100 outputs the Bayer pattern 600 as shown in FIG. 6A to the interpolator 120 under the condition that the exposure time is the same. In addition, the weight information set by the weight setting unit 110 is input to the interpolator 120. [ Here, the weights of the first row (column) region, the third row (column) region, the fifth row (column) region and the seventh row (column) region having the same color are 0.75: 0.25 and the second row (Column) region, the fourth row (column) region, the sixth row (column) region, and the eighth row (column) region are 0.25: 0.75.

Accordingly, the vertical interpolator 122 of the interpolator 120 adds or averages the pixel values having the same color in the vertical direction in the Bayer pattern, based on the weight information for each row area, thereby determining the pixel value of the vertical direction binning image do. That is, the vertical interpolator 122 assigns a weight of 0.75 to the first pixel 1 of the first row area of FIG. 6A, assigns a weight of 0.25 to the first pixel of the third row area, Calculates the value of the first pixel 20 of the vertically oriented binning image 610 as shown in Figure 6b in a manner that yields the summed average, gives a weight of 0.25 for the first pixel 2 of the second row region, A weight of 0.75 is assigned to the first pixel 4 of the fourth row region to calculate the value of the first pixel 21 of the second row region of the vertical direction binning image. In this manner, values for each pixel of the vertically oriented binning image 610 can be calculated.

The horizontal interpolator 124 adds or averages the pixel values having the same color in the horizontal direction in the Bayer pattern based on the weight information for each column region to determine the pixel value of the vertical direction binning image. That is, the horizontal interpolator 124 assigns a weight of 0.75 to the first pixel 1 of the first column area of FIG. 6A, adds a weight of 0.25 to the first pixel of the third column area, And calculates the value of the first pixel 40 of the vertically oriented binning image 620 as shown in Figure 6C in a manner that yields the summed average. In this manner, values for each pixel of the horizontal binning image 620 can be calculated.

The binarized images 610 and 620 generated through the above-described processes are synthesized by the image synthesizer 130, so that a weighted binning image can be generated.

7 is a block diagram illustrating an image sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

7, the image sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a pixel unit 100, a weight setting unit 110, an exposure time control unit 200, an exposure unit 210, an interpolation unit 120, And a linear correction unit 220 and the like.

The weight setting unit 110 provides an interface for setting weights for each row or column of the pixel unit 100 and provides a weight for each line set through the interface to the exposure time control unit 200 can do. That is, the weight setting unit 110 may provide the exposure time control unit 200 with weight information for each of the row or column areas of the pixel, for example, 1: 3 or 3: 1 weight information.

Meanwhile, the weight setting unit 110 may set weights based on rough or star illumination information, and may provide the set weights to the exposure time control unit 200.

The exposure time control unit 200 controls the exposure unit 210 to have different exposure times for each row or each column according to the weight values. That is, the exposure time control unit 200 sets exposure time values for each row or column based on the weights provided from the weight setting unit 110, and controls the exposure unit 210 based on the exposure time values.

The exposure unit 210 is for controlling the exposure time of light for each row or each column according to the control of the exposure time control unit 200. For example, the exposure unit 210 is not limited thereto.

Accordingly, the pixel unit 100 outputs a Bayer pattern having different exposure times to the interpolation unit 120. [

The interpolator 120 can bin and binarize the different Bayer patterns to generate vertical and horizontal binning images. For this purpose, the interpolator 120 includes a vertical interpolator 122 and a horizontal interpolator 124 .

The vertical interpolator 122 sums or averages two pixel values in a vertical direction in different Bayer patterns. That is, the vertical interpolator 122 may generate a vertical binning image by summing or averaging the values of two pixels having the same color. The vertical binning image thus generated is output to the linear correction unit 220.

The linear correction unit 220 is used for ensuring linearity for color processing, and performs correction according to Equation (1) below.

In Equation 1, PWB_org is a pixel value added to the vertical direction binning process, M is a maximum value of an original pixel before being binned by the vertical interpolator 122, and PWB_corr is a pixel value corrected to have linearity. Here, M is 1023 when the pixel is 10 bits.

That is, when the PWB_org is smaller than "M / 3", the linear correction unit 220 maintains PWB_org, which is a summed pixel value in the vertical direction binning process. Otherwise, "(PWB_org - M) * 4" To calculate the corrected value PWB_corr.

The vertical binning image that has undergone the correction process in the linear correction unit 220 is input to the image composing unit 130 or the horizontal interpolating unit 124.

The horizontal interpolator 124 sums or averages the two pixel values in the horizontal direction in different Bayer patterns. That is, the horizontal interpolation unit 124 may generate a horizontal direction binning image by summing or averaging two pixel values in the horizontal direction having the same color. The horizontal binning image thus generated is output to the image composing unit 130. [

The image synthesizer 130 synthesizes the corrected vertical and horizontal binning images, and outputs the resultant image.

A process of generating a binning-based binning image by the image sensor having the above-described configuration will be described below.

First, the exposure time controller 200 outputs a control signal to the exposure unit 210 for controlling the exposure time for each row region or each column region, based on the weight value set by the weight setting unit 110. [ Here, the weight setting unit 110 may extract illumination information for the row and column areas of the pixel unit 100, and may set weights for the row areas or the column areas based on the extracted illumination information.

The exposure unit 210 controls exposure time for each row region or each column region based on a control signal, and accordingly, the pixel unit 100 outputs a Bayer pattern having a different exposure time to the interpolator 120.

The vertical interpolator 122 of the interpolator 120 adds or averages the pixel values having the same color in the vertical direction in the different Bayer pattern input from the pixel unit 100 to determine the pixel value of the vertical binning image. The vertical direction binning image generated through the above process is input to the linear correction unit 220.

If the PWB_org is smaller than "M / 3" as shown in Equation (1), the linear correction unit 220 maintains the sum of the pixel values PWB_org in the vertical direction binning process, PWB_org - M) * 4 "is used to calculate the corrected PWB_corr and then the PWB_corr is used to correct the PWB_org value. Through this correction process, the linear correction unit 220 outputs the corrected horizontal direction binning image to the image synthesis unit 130. [

The horizontal interpolating unit 124 adds or averages the pixel values having the same color in the horizontal direction in the different Bayer pattern received from the pixel unit 100 to determine the pixel value of the vertical direction binning image, And outputs it to the image synthesis unit 130. [

The binarization images based on the weights can be generated by combining the vertical and horizontal binning images generated through the above-described processes by the image composer 130. [

In addition, the dynamic range can be extended three times or more by securing the linearity through the correction after performing the vertical direction binning process.

The difference between the binning image based on the weight and the binning image generated through the normal binning method using the image sensor as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C.

FIG. 8A is an image after performing the conventional binning method, FIG. 8B is an image in which a post-binning sampling correction method is performed and a demosaicing process is performed, and FIG. 8C is a weight- It is an image using an image.

8A and 8B and 8C, it can be seen that the weighted binning image of FIG. 8C is improved in both the conventional "jagged edge" and resolution as compared to the images of the prior art FIGS. 8A and 8B.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, You will understand.

100:
110: Weight setting unit
120: interpreter
122: Vertical interpolation section
124: Horizontal interpolation section
130:
200: Exposure time control section
210:
220: Linear correction unit

Claims (20)

A pixel unit for converting an optical signal of a subject into an electrical signal and outputting a Bayer pattern;
A vertical interpolator for summing or averaging vertical pixel values of the Bayer pattern on the basis of weight information set in each row area of the Bayer pattern to generate a vertical direction binning image;
A horizontal interpolator for summing or averaging pixel values in the horizontal direction of the Bayer pattern on the basis of weight information set in each column area of the Bayer pattern to generate a horizontal direction binning image;
An image synthesizer for synthesizing the vertical and horizontal binning images to generate a weighted binning image,
And a linear correction unit that corrects each pixel value in the vertical direction binning image by comparing the pixel value of the vertical direction binning image with a preset value to generate a corrected horizontal direction binning image,
Wherein the linear correction unit comprises:
If the pixel value of the vertical direction binning image is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, correcting the pixel value of the vertical direction binning image using the maximum pixel value of the pixel unit, and if not, maintaining the pixel value of the vertical direction binning image Characterized by
Image sensor.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the pixel portion is arranged in a Bayer pattern composed of any one line in which red pixels and green pixels are alternately arranged and a next line in which blue pixels and green pixels are alternately arranged
Image sensor.
3. The method of claim 2,
Further comprising a weight setting unit for providing an interface capable of setting a weight for each of the row areas or the column areas of the Bayer pattern and for providing a weight value set through the interface to the vertical or horizontal interpolation unit
Image sensor.
The method of claim 3,
Wherein the weight setting unit sets the weight so that any one line of the row region or the column region and the next line have a ratio of 1: 3 or 3: 1
Image sensor.
An exposure time control unit for controlling an exposure time of each of the row and column areas based on weights set in the respective row and column areas,
A pixel unit for outputting a Bayer pattern according to the exposure time;
A vertical interpolator for generating a vertical binning image by summing or averaging pixel values in the vertical direction in the Bayer pattern;
A horizontal interpolation unit for generating a horizontal direction binning image by summing or averaging pixel values in the horizontal direction in the Bayer pattern;
An image synthesizer for synthesizing the vertical and horizontal binning images to generate a weighted binning image,
And a linear correction unit that corrects each pixel value in the vertical direction binning image by comparing the pixel value of the vertical direction binning image with a preset value to generate a corrected horizontal direction binning image,
Wherein the linear correction unit comprises:
If the pixel value of the vertical direction binning image is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, correcting the pixel value of the vertical direction binning image using the maximum pixel value of the pixel unit, and if not, maintaining the pixel value of the vertical direction binning image Characterized by
Image sensor.
6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the pixel portion is constituted by any one line in which red pixels and green pixels are alternately arranged and a next line in which blue pixels and green pixels are alternately arranged
Image sensor.
6. The method of claim 5,
And an exposure unit for exposing each pixel in the pixel unit according to the exposure time set by the exposure time control unit
Image sensor.
delete 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the predetermined value is determined by a maximum pixel value of the pixel portion.
Image sensor.
delete 6. The method of claim 5,
And a weight setting unit for providing an interface capable of setting weights of the respective rows and columns and providing the set weights to the exposure time controller
Image sensor.
12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the weight setting unit sets weights for the row region or the column region based on illuminance information for each row region or each column region,
Image sensor.

12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the weight setting unit sets the weight so that any one line of the row region or the column region and the next line have a ratio of 1: 3 or 3: 1
Image sensor.
Setting an exposure time for each row region or each column region based on a weight value set for each row region or each column region;
Receiving a Bayer pattern having a different exposure time from the pixel unit according to the set exposure time,
Summing or averaging two vertical pixel values having the same hue in the Bayer pattern to generate a vertical direction binning image;
Summing or averaging two pixel values in the horizontal direction having the same color in the Bayer pattern to generate a horizontal direction binning image;
Generating a weighted binning image using the vertical and horizontal direction binning images;
And comparing the pixel value of the vertically oriented binned image with a predetermined value,
And correcting each pixel value in the binning image,
Wherein the correcting comprises:
Comparing the pixel value of the vertically oriented binning image with the predetermined value;
Correcting the pixel value of the vertical binning image using the maximum pixel value of the pixel unit when the pixel value of the vertical binning image is equal to or greater than the predetermined value as a result of the comparison;
And when the pixel value of the vertical direction binning image is less than the preset value, correcting the pixel values of the vertical direction binning image by maintaining the pixel value of the vertical direction binning image as a result of the comparison
A method of generating a binning image of an image sensor.
15. The method of claim 14,
Further comprising setting a weight for each row region or each column region
A method of generating a binning image of an image sensor.
16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the weight setting step sets a weight so that the next line having the same hue as any one of the row region or the column region has a ratio of 1: 3 or 3: 1
A method of generating a binning image of an image sensor.
16. The method of claim 15,
The weighting step may include extracting illumination information for the row and column areas of the pixel unit,
And setting the weight value for each row region or each column region based on the extracted illuminance information
A method of generating a binning image of an image sensor.
15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the generating of the weighted based binning image is performed using the vertical binning image and the horizontal binning image generated through the correction,
A method of generating a binning image of an image sensor.
delete 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the step of correcting using the maximum pixel value of the pixel unit comprises:
Wherein the pixel value of the vertical binning image is corrected on the basis of the formula ((PWB_org - M) * 4, M is the maximum pixel value of the pixel portion, and PWB_org is the pixel value added to the vertical direction binning)
A method of generating a binning image of an image sensor.

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